From the President’s Desk
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
Greetings from the Indian Association of Palliative Care.
I am pleased to share a few important developments from IAPC over the past month.
Preparations are underway for the International Conference on Palliative Care, scheduled for 9th –11th October 2026 in observance of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day (WHPCD). I am delighted to inform you that the conference will be organised by IAPC in collaboration with Alpha Palliative Care. The conference will focus on this year’s World Hospice and Palliative Care Day theme, “Pain Management: An Essential Part of Palliative Care”.
I am also pleased to report the successful transition of two key leadership positions within our organisation—the Secretary of IAPC and the Editor of the Indian Journal of Palliative Care (IJPC). I sincerely appreciate the efforts of Dr Raghavendra (Editor-in- Chief), Dr Raghu S. Thota (Editor), and Dr Sanghamitra Bora (Hon. Secretary), in ensuring a smooth handover. Both offices are now functioning effectively, with several new initiatives and plans already in progress. I am confident that these efforts will further strengthen IAPC and IJPC.
The Income Tax Department has introduced a new framework for Registered Non-Profit Organisations (RNPOs) under the Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from 1 April 2026. As IAPC is registered as an RNPO, we are required to utilise at least 85% of our regular income towards activities aligned with our aims and objectives. Necessary administrative and financial measures will be implemented to ensure full compliance with these regulations.
IAPC recently submitted a bid to the Asia Pacific Hospice Palliative Care Network (APHN) to host its International Conference in Hyderabad in 2029. Although our proposal was not selected, I extend my sincere appreciation to Sparsh Hospice, Hyderabad, and Dr Raghu S. Thota for their dedicated efforts and excellent presentation.
Education continues to remain at the heart of IAPC’s mission. Our training programmes are reaching an increasing number of healthcare professionals and volunteers across the country, helping build capacity and expand access to quality palliative care. For details of the upcoming programs please visit the Education and Training section of this newsletter.
I would also like to thank all contributors to this newsletter, especially the authors featured in the Interesting Reads section. In this issue, we bring you insightful reflections from a psychologist, a volunteer, and a nurse. I invite you to read and enjoy these thoughtful articles by Ms Keshav Sharma, Ms Nirmala Nair and Mr Hari Shankar Pothugunta.
Finally, I encourage all members to register early for the 34th Annual International Conference of IAPC (IAPCON 2027) and take advantage of the early-bird registration, available until 31st August 2026. Preparations for the conference are progressing steadily, and the organising team is working hard to create a scientifically enriching and memorable experience. I urge you to stay connected for updates on abstract submissions, competitions, awards, and other exciting opportunities, and to actively participate in the events leading up to the conference. Please visit the conference website for registration.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to advancing palliative care in India.
With warm regards,
Dr. Geeta Joshi
President
Indian Association of Palliative Care (IAPC)